BLY, Reuben 1809-1893

BLY, CARLOO, PHILLIPS

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Date: 8/19/2010 at 19:42:54

The subject of this sketch, Mr. Reuben Bly, was beyond doubt one of the most remarkable characters within the borders of Grundy County.

In stature he was of a type peculiar to the period of his early days and prior thereto, a type but rarely seen among the rising generation. So large and strong was he that at the age of twelve he could perform the labor of a strong man. His life was an active one from early child hood to the end of his earthly sojourn.

Deceased was of Welsh-Irish descent, his paternal grandparents being natives of Wales and his maternal grandparents natives of Ireland. His grandfather on his mother's side Thomas Carloo, fought for independence through the entire Revolutionary War. He was taken prisoner by three Indians at the head of Lake George, but slew his three captives with the limb of a tree and made his escape. The large stature, combativeness and prowess of Thomas Carloo were marked features of his immediate descendants. The father of deceased, Eber Bly, was how ever possessed with the most Quaker like disposition, and it was said of him that no one ever saw him vexed. His happy, quite nature descended in a marked degree upon his seven sons, especially so upon the subject of this brief sketch.

Father Bly came to this county some 22 years ago and was reckoned as one of our old settlers and most honorable and venerable citizens. Dr. E. A. Crouse has for twenty years been the physician of the Bly family and the tenderness and loving care bestowed at all times upon aged head of the family is a fitting index of the kindness and good will bestowed so generously by the public upon our departed veteran brother.

Deceased was one of nature's noble men in the fullest application of that term. He witnessed many vicissitudes in life but met every obstacle with cheerfulness and fortitude rarely equaled. As a husband he was patient, loving generous. As a father he had but one fault, over indulgence. His strong arm was always ready to protect the weak and alleviate distress. He was passionately fond of children and the mutual love existing between him and them was vividly portrayed at his funeral when a troop of little girls came forward in the church and loaded his casket with flowers. We shall no more see the erect form of our aged friend: he has gone to that borne from which no traveler has ere returned, yet in his life and in death he pillowed his head upon the bosom of Him who said, "Come unto me all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest." His was a worthy example. Peace to his ashes and eternal felicity to his soul.

Reuben Bly was born at Glens Falls N.Y. October 2, 1809. When twelve years old he moved with his parents to Ticonderoga, N. Y. where he resided till 1871 when he removed with his family to Grundy county, Iowa. He united in marriage with Miss Lorain Phillips in 1829. Fourteen children, ten sons and four daughters, were the fruits of their union.

Six sons and four daughters survive him. He early united with the M. E. church and was for 60 years one of its members. His death occurred at his residence in Morrison at five o'clock am June 6, 1893. The funeral was conducted from the M.E. church at Morrison at eleven O'clock Wednesday, June 7, Rev. Logsden officiating.

--The Grundy County Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 15 June 1893